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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Mario Ortiz Jr

Mario Ortiz Jr, Staff Writer

What’s up, my name is Mario Ortiz Jr, and this is my first year writing at The Orion. I’m a fifth-year student here at Chico State. I major in Journalism and minor in music. I love calling my mom, making music, ingesting vast amounts of caffeine, watching basketball, and chilling if I’m not writing. I can’t wait to write for The Orion and learn skills that can evolve me into a better writer.

All content by Mario Ortiz Jr
Three people surround a man on ground. Only the man's legs are visible.

[Video] Man detained in BMU

Mario Ortiz Jr, Reporter
March 28, 2023

University Police detained a man in Bell Memorial Union at 11 a.m. on March 28. Chico State public relations manager, Andrew Staples, said UPD arrived at the BMU after calls about a "disruption," and...

Artwork for the "Take me to the River: New Orleans" soundtrack. Courtesy of Missing Piece Group.

Take me to Chico: New Orleans-based funk to play Laxson Auditorium

Noah Herbst and Mario Ortiz Jr
February 28, 2023

“Take Me to the River: NOLA Live!,” a musical “movement of social consciousness,” consisting of performances from funk-music legends, is coming to Chico State’s Laxson Auditorium on March 2....

Violinist Caroline Cecilia Fairchild, Guitarist Luis Gonzalez-Campos, Drummer Jaik Hakkarinen, Lead Singer and synth player Roni Jean, Backing Vocalist Alexi Ong, and Bassist Aron Linker. Photo by Mario Ortiz Jr on Feb 9.

Local stars headline the BMU Auditorium

Mario Ortiz Jr, Reporter
February 15, 2023

Chico State's radio station KCSC teamed up with Chico Art Collective to put on an all woman lineup for their first show of the semester on Feb. 9th. The lineup featured Sydney Dillon, Alexi & the...

Drummer Reese in the pocket. Photo by Mario Ortiz Jr on Feb 9.

Drummer Reese in the pocket. Photo by Mario Ortiz Jr on Feb 9.

Vocalist and guitarist Sydney Dillon and drummer Aidan Steckley.

Vocalist and guitarist Sydney Dillon and drummer Aidan Steckley.

Vocalist and synth player Roni Jean.

Vocalist and synth player Roni Jean.

Saxophonist Jill Olivar belting out melodic lines.

Saxophonist Jill Olivar belting out melodic lines.

Guitarist Timothy Knight and Saxophonist Jill filling out the mix with the powerful vocalist Melli Farias.

Guitarist Timothy Knight and Saxophonist Jill filling out the mix with the powerful vocalist Melli Farias.

Drummer Jaik Hakkarinen feeling the groove while Guitarist Luis Gonzalez-Campos switches between synth and guitar.

Drummer Jaik Hakkarinen feeling the groove while Guitarist Luis Gonzalez-Campos switches between synth and guitar.

Graduation Advising Sign in Student Services Center. Photo by Mario Ortiz Jr on Feb 13.

Fear of the unknown: Life after graduation 

Mario Ortiz Jr
February 13, 2023

As the 2023 spring semesters progresses, I sit here unraveling the biggest fear I and many other seniors face … life after college and the unknown future that comes with getting older.  If you...

Mundo Ballejos as Emcee. Photo by Matt Bates.

Chico State’s Music Theater Department manifests must-see theater

Mario Ortiz Jr, A&E Editor
November 9, 2022

The sound of old, big band jazz plays from a small speaker, creating a natural reverb that fills the room and manifests an eerie vibe, something straight out of the twilight zone.  Student actors...

Chico Reptile Show Flier.

Chico Reptile Show Flier.

9th Annual Chico Reptile Show

Mario Ortiz Jr, A&E Editor
October 19, 2022

On Oct. 8, A&E editor Mario Ortiz Jr. visited the Chico Reptile Show with Melvin Bui behind the camera. Filled with snakes, lizards and turtles, The Orion crew interviews reptile professionals who...

Cinematographer/Editor,Tanner Hansen(Red Hair) with Dr. Nitzky (Brownish Hair) filming in Lihu township, Nandan County, Guangxi, China. Photo provided to William Nitzky, PhD.

Drums that speak to the heavens

Mario Ortiz Jr, A&E Editor
October 8, 2022

Dr. William Nitzky of Chico State’s anthropology department immerses viewers in Southwest China, educating his audience on the cultural importance of large, bronze drums with his latest 26-minute video...

Photo of Allison F. Rich ("Olivia Lago"). Photo provided by Jonathan White.

An exclusive interview with actress Allison F. Rich

Mario Ortiz Jr, A&E Editor
October 8, 2022

A&E editor Mario Ortiz interviews Chico State alum & Chico native Allison F. Rich, who is playing "Olivia Lago" in San Jose Stage Company's production of Sex With Strangers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOfkQaivOwU&t=4s

25 Cent flipping Dylan Michaels, and Tiffany Payne (referee). Photo taken by Mario Ortiz on June 17.

Wrestling fever : Chico indulges in dwarf wrestling

Mario Ortiz Jr, A&E Editor
July 25, 2022

It's an oddly cold, rainy night in the middle of June, and Chico's The Tackle Box Bar and Grill is hosting Micro Mania, also known as the “Biggest Little Show In The USA."  With tickets only...

Roni Jean performing live at Freebird Yoga

‘Resting Sad Face’ paves way for up and coming Chico legend

Mario Ortiz Jr, A&E Editor
June 1, 2022

Lush and intoxicating are words that best describe the music of Chico State's own Roni Jean and their debut album, “Resting Sad Face.”  Roni Jean proves to be not just another face in the crowd...

"Stephen Hillenburg - SpongeBob SquarePants Bible" by Toon a Ville is marked with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

SpongeBob 23 years later still holds the world in his hand

Mario Ortiz Jr, Opinion Editor
May 3, 2022

“I’m ready!”  These two words are what I live by. Though not a perfect character SpongeBob has characteristics I always tried to emulate. His perseverance and ability to keep moving forward...

Chico State investigation: music lecturer violated CSU sexual misconduct policy

Chico State investigation: music lecturer violated CSU sexual misconduct policy

Ava Norgrove, Mario Ortiz Jr and Melvin Bui
April 12, 2022

Chico State investigators concluded on April 11 that music lecturer Tobin Roye violated a California State University executive order regarding sexual misconduct, according to a “notice of investigation...

Transportation graphic created by Jolie Asuncion.

4 alternative methods of transportation for students

Mario Ortiz Jr and Noah Herbst
March 30, 2022

No one is more impacted by skyrocketing gas prices than students. Alternative methods of transportation are key to reducing the impact of gas prices on your wallet. Some students are already living paycheck...

Willie the Wildcat showing school pride. Captured by Mario Ortiz.

Photos of the Week

Campus worker grilling burgers for students that voted during the Associated Students election. Captured by Alejandro Mejia Mejia. Students voting for Associated Students election. Captured by Alejandro...

Another Chico State student killed by alleged drunk driver

Another Chico State student killed by alleged drunk driver

Chico State junior Terry Nilsen Jr., 22, died March 6 after the moped he was driving was struck by a truck on the Esplanade. Terry was born on Feb. 21, 2000, and grew up in Fresno, California. He was...

The Well preview banner. Photo taken by Mario Ortiz Jr on March 23.

AS funds BMU wellness center makeover

Mario Ortiz Jr, Opinion Editor
March 23, 2022

The Bell Memorial Union basement is going through a $1.7 million renovation as Associated Students plans to open The Well, a new student wellness center, before the end of Spring 2022 semester.  The...

Inside of The Well. Photo taken by Mario Ortiz on March 23.

Inside of The Well. Photo taken by Mario Ortiz on March 23.

The Gateway Science Museum continues to enlighten the community with a birthday bash

The Gateway Science Museum continues to enlighten the community with a birthday bash

Mario Ortiz Jr, Opinion Editor
March 2, 2022

Families and other members of the community explored the many wonders of Chico State's educational Gateway Science Museum, which celebrated its 12th birthday with the community on Feb. 26 and 27.  Founded...

Mario Ortiz posing with his grandmother Simona Ortiz (left) and his grandfather Ubaldo Ortiz (right) on Christmas.

Culturally homeless: not ‘Mexican’ enough

Mario Ortiz Jr, Opinion Editor
February 16, 2022

Last semester my dad passed away after surgery, and since his death, I feel like I have lost yet another crucial connection to my culture. He played a significant role in teaching me about my Mexican...

Francine Nshimirimana breaking through tackles, running the ball down the line of touch.

Francine Nshimirimana breaking through tackles, running the ball down the line of touch.

Chico State forwards winning the scrum on Feb 5.

Chico State forwards winning the scrum on Feb 5.

Francine Nshimirimana breaking through tackles, running the ball down the line of touch.

Francine Nshimirimana breaking through tackles, running the ball down the line of touch.

"Neil Young, Heart of Gold" by Stoned59 is licensed under .

When Neil Young speaks, we listen

Mario Ortiz Jr, Opinion Editor
February 3, 2022

Legendary artist Neil Young, who visited Chico back in 2018, has had his music catalog removed from Spotify at his request. According to Young, "Spotify has become a very damaging force via its public...

Sign in the window

The power of a good book

Mario Ortiz Jr, Opinion Editor
January 19, 2022

Growing up, I wasn't the biggest fan of reading. I could never get "lost" in a book like some peers. However, in college, books have become a great escape for me. They have helped me get away from the...

Covid Policy

Covid Policy

Me (Mario Ortiz) and my brother (Matthew Ortiz)

Brotherly love

Mario Ortiz Jr, Staff Writer
October 31, 2021

"You never loved me!" my brother screams. "What are you talking about?" I reply, as my voice cracks.  The car is filled with tangible hate. As tears flood my eyes, and my stomach drops. I'm...

Student Health Center on Chico State's campus.

Who did I kiss?

Mario Ortiz Jr., Staff Writer
October 24, 2021

“I think I'm dying!”  Sweating through the sheets on my mattress, I lay in bed. My body aching, my throat hurting and my head raging, I began to run through all illnesses in my head that could...

Album cover for "Last Lap Around the Planet" by Goaat Head and Beaar Box

The power of music

Mario Ortiz Jr, Staff Writer
October 8, 2021

As the melody hits my ears, and the rhythm moves the body, the everyday problems begin to disintegrate and all the emotions start to flood in. Since the beginning of humanity, music has always been there...

Beers at local bar Oasis

Drinks on me

Mario Ortiz Jr, Staff Writer
September 25, 2021

The night seems endless, the beer is cold as droplets go down my glass and hit the coaster below and the atmosphere at Riley's is filled with laughter. Drunk men can be heard catcalling in one ear, and...

An old Orion newspaper stand. Photo by Devonte Barr.

The Orion joins exodus from print to online

Mario Ortiz Jr, Staff Writer
September 13, 2021

Chico State student journalists have returned to the newsroom in Plumas Hall for the first time in  a year and a half. The Orion shifted to a digital only platform in Spring 2020 after 45 years...